201394 vs 575372 TCS 55 Cordless

[boldly]

Hello all!

I'm looking to make my first Festool purchase. I'm ready to take the plunge (joke) on the TSC 55 cordless track saw.

I see that the Festool 575372 TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw BASIC + 4 Free Batteries is on sale for $440, and comes with 4 free batteries! Great! I don't care if they charge more slowly. For the price of free, I'll take them.

I also notice that the Festool 201394 TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw BASIC is listed at $490

Are the two models only different in that the 201394 now references the new Airstream batteries?

Is the 575372 (specifically from Tool Nut) a non-metric, Imperial scale for we slow-to-adopt-logical-systems in the USA? Or is the difference in part number actually a difference of Metric vs Imperial scale? (I'd call and ask, but they're closed and I'd like to order this over the weekend, before the free leftover battery supplies run out.)

Will the 575372 accept the new Bluetooth Airstream batteries without issue?

Thanks so much if anyone knows the answers to these questions. I've tried google to no avail, and the Metric vs Imperial scale isn't listed on the Tool Nut website, nor the Festool USA website.

Have a great weekend all!

 

[justaguy]

The 575372 has a metric scale the v201394 has an imperial scale. Either can use the airstream batteries with or without Bluetooth.

Since this is your first purchase keep in mind that neither of those models come with a rail.

 

[copcarcollector]

Neither of these items included a Charger either!

[member=68551]boldly[/member]

 

[copcarcollector]

And 201394 does not include any batteries

 

[boldly]

Thanks for the speedy responses! I'll grab the 201394 then.

Yes, I wish that I could get the kit, with rail, battery, and charger, and that the batteries were Bluetooth enabled. It seems that, although the bluetooth vs non-bluetooth enabled battery is only a difference of $10, they are not offered in any kit form. So it will unfortunately be less expensive for me to purchase them separately, else I would definitely rather get the kit. I really only want the Bluetooth enabled batteries.

I'd actually made up my mind to never purchase Festool, and I was going to get the cordless Makita track saw, miter saw, router, drill and driver, jig saw, and the corded / cordless dust extractor, but then I noticed the price premium for Makita's (still incomplete, and I need these tools right now) bluetooth system. The Makita Bluetooth tools (without batteries and charger) were as much as their full kit, with everything. And at that price point, they're comparable to Festool, on price. The decision was easy after that realization (and Makita uses Bluetooth on-board the tool, rather than within the battery, and many of those tools haven't yet been updated for the US market.)

So now it seems I'll be purchasing at least some of my tools through Festool. I'm thinking the TCS 55 Cordless, CT 26 vacuum, and CT Cyclone. I'll still get the cordless drill, driver, router, Random Orbital Sander, Jig Saw, and 7 1/2" Miter saw through Makita, I'll just have to use the remote button to operate the vacuum until Festool comes through (if they come through) with a cordless Miter saw, Router, and Random Orbital Sander. Though, being as how Festool has the slick one-cord-fits-all option, maybe I'll skip some of those Makita tools for the corded Festool version and attach a cord to the extractor hose.

I actually really hate having so many options. Such a time waste to think on these decisions for so long.

Anyway, thanks much for all the help! You guys are great.

 

[Cheese]

You'll like the TSC 55. It's got more grunt than the TS 55 and the dust collection even with the bag is tremendous. I haven't fired up my TS 55 in 3 years.  [eek]

At the recent Festool Roadshow, I played with the CT Cyclone, the new flexible, smooth hose and the ETSC 125 cordless sander.  These 3 items really impressed me.
1. Make sure your new CT 26 comes with the new updated smooth hose, it makes a huge difference.
2. The CT Cyclone was teamed up with the Planex for drywall sanding. There was a pile of white drywall dust in the clear plastic bin about the size of a loaf of bread and the vac was still working.  [smile]
3. Consider the Festool cordless sander. Great ergonomics, light weight and the dust bag captures everything. After I played with one at the roadshow, I had to purchase one.  I already own an ETS 125 & a Pro 5 so there was no need for me to purchase the cordless version. It's just that nice to use. The batteries will charge in the TCL 6 charger that comes with the TSC 55.

 

[RKA]

I’m confused, why not get the 575372?  You don’t want the metric scale?  Even having the batteries without Bluetooth is useful if by chance you add other cordless Festools. 

Other Festools:
I was just handling a new T18 side by side with a brushless M18 drill.  I don’t like using the M18 for anything that demands finesse, it’s more of a brute force tool.  The trigger doesn’t modulate the speed in a predicatable way even though it’s infinitely adjustable.  The “stiction” in the trigger means I have 3-4 speeds as I squeeze or release the trigger.  But the Festool trigger allows very precise control.  I’m Not going to used it to run a 12” auger bit, but on woodworking projects where the result will be seen, I much prefer using one of the Festool drills.  Oh, and the M18 has an annoying gear whine, which is fine until you hear how quiet and smooth the Festool is.  There is no getting around the price difference though.

 

[Runhard]

Thanks for the speedy responses! I'll grab the 201394 then.

[member=68551]boldly[/member]
May I ask why you would get the 201394 instead of the 575372? The 575372 has 4 batteries and is $50 cheaper. I also believe that you can request an imperial sticker to place over the metric scale.

 

[semenza]

I take it you plan to buy a rail / tracks separately?

Seth

 

[MrToolJunkie]

It is a tremendous saw and deal right now. Love everything about the cordless saw. I would opt for the cheaper version too. Same saw, just metric instead of imperial.

 

[James Carriere]

[member=68551]boldly[/member],  It is indeed a great deal with the free batteries and I would recommend that too.  If Imperial vs Metric is your deciding factor, my TS 55 came as metric but included an imperial scale which I wont use.  I’m happy to mail it to you so you can get the exact outfit you might want.

Also, if you are considering two 1400 rails which you can combine to break down 4x8 sheets, consider having one of them be a holey version in case you want to work with the lr32 system at some point.  It’s not an issue if you never go that path but in case you do, you’re already on your way.

Congratulations in advance on your first Festool purchase... good luck not converting most your tools to Festool in the future.

 

[boldly]

Thank you for the additional replies.

Yes, the only reason I'd get the imperial version is to avoid the metric scale, as everything else that I own is (unfortunately) Imperial.

I wasn't aware that there is available an Imperial scale sticker. I suppose my only concern there is alignment and adhesion. If the sticker has worked well for others then I'll go ahead with the four free batteries!

Thank you for offering to mail me the Imperial scale! Very kind, and an offer that I might take you up on, if the metric saw doesn't come with the imperial scale included.

The comparison of M18 and T18 is very helpful. I'll give the T18 a look, as fine control has always been a frustration of mine with drivers.

I much prefer to keep all of my tools Festool at this point, but the lack of a cordless grinder, or 7 1/2" miter saw, or cordless trim/plunge router does force my decision on a few things, as I'm specifically purchasing these for use on site. I do have a 7500 watt LiFePo4 battery bank in my van, but running extension cords isn't always possible.

Going to place the order for the 575372, hole drilling guide rail (TY for tip), quick clamps, parallel, accessories, etc, T18, ETSC 125, C26 (After verifying it has the new hose, which looks great), couple of BT batteries, BT accessory for the C26, and pre order the cyclone.

Thank you for all of the input. You guys were very helpful.

 

[justaguy]

I'm not 100% certain on this but.. if you get a 575372 and apply the imperial sticker I'm pretty sure the mechanism will still adjust in 1mm increments. I'm also pretty sure from what I've read that the new 201394 imperial mechanism adjusts in 1/16 inch increments. I believe this is why the new saws don't come with a metric scale. The swap must include a new scale and adjuster?

Probably not a significant difference for most people just calling it out for awareness.

 

[boldly]

Thank you!

That is important to me. I was just getting ready to submit the order when I read this. That being the case I'd definitely get the Imperial, though I might be in the minority.

Other quick question: two 55" rails, or a 55"+42"? Unsure if the 1' overhanging track is a benefit or hindrance.

 

[semenza]

Thank you!

That is important to me. I was just getting ready to submit the order when I read this. That being the case I'd definitely get the Imperial, though I might be in the minority.

Other quick question: two 55" rails, or a 55"+42"? Unsure if the 1' overhanging track is a benefit or hindrance.

For  a 96" cut you will want several inches of overhang on each end.  The 55 / 42 combo is not enough. So two 55, or better yet if you have room, is 55 and 75.  You get a little more length versatility and the 75 can be nicer than the 55 to cut 48"

Seth